Elderberries are abundant this time of year. I love to use them to make immune boosting elderberry syrup as well as cough syrup. Freezing elderberries is a great way to store them, however, dehydrating elderberries is an excellent way as well. When elderberries are dehydrated, it removes the moisture in each berry with a low heat while circulating air. This ensures the elderberries will preserve their medicinal properties for long-term storage so they can be used throughout the year.
Sourcing Elderberries
First, if you are harvesting elderberries yourself, it is important to know where to look. Be sure that you are collecting from a source that has not been sprayed with chemicals. I avoid harvesting in places along the roadside or next to farm fields that have been sprayed with chemicals.
Keep in mind there are more than one species that grow in the United States.
- The American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is commonly found growing alongside roads and fields. It grows between ten and twelve feet tall, thriving in zones 3 to 8.
- The European elderberry grows much taller than the American variety, reaching 20 feet in height. It is known to bloom earlier than the American variety, thriving in zones 4 to 8.
There are several varieties within these two different species. An important thing to note is that the American species has a variety called Sambucus racemosa. The berries are red rather than a deep, dark purple. It is important to note this because this variety is poisonous and should not be consumed.
Growing Elderberries
If you are interested in planting your own elderberry bushes keep in mind, they are not self-fertile. This means more than one variety should be planted within 50 feet of the other plant. Be sure to keep in mind the adult size of the bush when you consider where to plant it.
You may buy plants from a store, but it is just as simple and often far more cost effective to plant a cutting. This quite literally means taking a branch off of an elderberry bush and planting it in the soil. Ideally, a 4-inch pot works very well and can hold one cutting. Be sure your pots have drainage holes.
What you want to do is take a cutting that has at least one set of leaf nodes, setting it into the soil with the diagonal-side down. Be sure to have at least one set of leaf nodes covered by the soil as the roots will grow from that. Place the pots in a shady location and keep the soil moist, leaving them undisturbed (except for watering) for 6-12 weeks.
How to Freeze Elderberries
Freezing elderberries is a great way to store them temporarily until you have a chance to dehydrate them. I love dehydrated elderberries because it doesn’t use any electricity to store them. They remain shelf stable for up to 18 months. However, freezing them helps to store them until you have more time to dehydrate them. It is also beneficial to freeze elderberries before dehydrating them. Once the elderberries are frozen the tiny stems become much easier to remove from the berries.
Freezing elderberries is pretty simple. It is best to lay them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet over parchment paper. Place them in the freezer for a few hours. Once they are completely frozen, go ahead and store them in a Ziploc freezer bag or an airtight container.
How Long Does it Take to Dehydrate Elderberries?
Dehydrating elderberries takes approximately fourteen hours, give or take. This will depend on airflow and spacing. Do not try to increase the heat to rush the process or you may end up burning berries.
How to Store Dehydrated Elderberries
You will want to store your dehydrated elderberries in an airtight container in a dark place. If you have filtered sunlight coming through your storage area, consider looking into getting dark glass jars, such as these.
Another way to store elderberries is by using a vacuum sealer. This helps to keep air out keeping your elderberries fresher longer. Either way, they will last about a year, sometimes more.
Other Ways to Dehydrate Elderberries
If you do not have a dehydrator, you can always use your oven. Most ovens do not run at nearly as low a temperature as a dehydrator will. You can still put the oven on a warm setting (or the lowest temperature it will go). Be sure the watch the elderberries closely so they do not burn.
A Trusted Source for Elderberries, Teas, and More!
A wonderful source for dehydrated elderberries is Farmhouse Teas. Not only do they have dehydrated elderberries, but they also have a ready to make elderberry syrup, cherry syrup, and beautiful teas! The products they sell are wonderful and you will be supporting a small family business.
How to Dehydrate Elderberries
Equipment
- dehydrator
- jar funnel
- vacuum sealer optional
- glass jar with airtight lid
- parchment paper
Materials
- Elderberries
Instructions
- If beginning with freshly picked elderberries, wash them thoroughly and allow them to dry prior to freezing. You do not have to use frozen elderberries but removing the stems is much easier after they have been frozen. It is important to remove the stems because the they contain cyanide, meaning the stems, leaves, and roots are toxic to humans.
- Line your dehydrator trays with parchment paper so the berries (and juice) do not fall through the holes in the tray as they dry. It is a much cleaner process to line the trays, trust me! Then, place the berries in a single layer on the parchment paper lined trays.
- Set the temperature on your dehydrator to 125℉-135℉ and set a timer for 5-6 hours.
- After 5 or 6 hours, roll the elderberries over (if they are sticking to the parchment paper, it is okay, just lightly move them. This ensures a more even dehydrating process.
- Check the elderberries again after another 5 or 6 hours. They can go as long as 14 hours, but you will know they are done when they are hard and make a popping or snapping sound when they drop on the counter.
- Store them in an airtight container using a glass jar and airtight lid or a vacuum sealed bag, away from sunlight.
Notes
